$Unique_ID{BRK02149}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Causes of Autism}
$Subject{Causes Autism autistic Pervasive Development Disorders psychiatric
disorders intellectual responses external stimuli sound sight smell language
relationships social skills customs repetitive behavior routines cause
parenting child care}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Causes of Autism


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QUESTION:  There is a child in our community that we are told is "autistic".
We know very little about this and wish to do what is right.  Where can we
find material to read about the condition, and just what causes this?  Does
the mother's skills in parenting have anything to do with the child's actions.
Please provide us with as much informations as you can.

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ANSWER:  Autism is one of the diagnoses included in the general classification
of Pervasive Development Disorders.  These are among the most severe
psychiatric disorders to affect children.  As many as 1 child in 2,500 may
show signs of autism, which affects their intellectual abilities, their
responses to external stimuli, such as sound, sight, or smell, and diminishes
their ability to understand language or to talk.  It is three times more
common in boys than girls.  By the time a child is 30 months old, the signs of
autism are clearly evident.
     Even infants with the disorder act differently than other babies.  They
are stiff, do not respond to or give back the signs of affection.  They are
often spoken of as "being stiff", for they will not nestle in the arms of a
parent and cuddle as normal children do.  As they grow older, they do not form
relationships easily, and seem to lack social skills or understand social
customs, though children around them are exhibiting behavior which could be
easily learned.
     Some autistic children will display a type of repetitive behavior,
clapping their hands or striking at their heads over and over again.  They
may become very attached to a single object, not normally considered to be a
toy, but something unusual like a rubber band or piece of string.  They
establish rigid routines for themselves, which must be followed exactly, and
resist all changes in the routine or in their environment.  Move any object in
their room, and a temper tantrum can be the result, even if the change seems
totally inconsequential to the unsuspecting individual who changed the
placement.
     No single cause has been found for this disorder, and the mother's
parenting skills have little to do with the actions of the child.  If you wish
more information, you might contact the Autism Society of America, 8601
Georgia Avenue, Suite 503, Silver Springs MD 20910.  (tel. # 301-565-0433)

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.